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Context No. 3026 of 4322 · Acts

Context · Reflection

Acts 12:20-25: in context

20Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them. 22The people shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory. Then he was eaten by worms and died. 24But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was called Mark.

King Herod, reconciling with the cities of Tyre and Sidon, puts on his royal robes and delivers a grand oration from his throne. The crowd flatters him, shouting, The voice of a god, and not of a man! And because he does not give God the glory, an angel of the Lord strikes him down, and he is eaten by worms and dies.

The contrast is stark and sudden. Herod drinks in worship that belongs to God alone, basking in the cry, the voice of a god, and in an instant he is undone, the man who claimed divine honor destroyed by worms. Human pride that steals God's glory does not stand. And immediately the text pivots to something Herod could not stop: but the word of God grew and multiplied. The proud king dies, and God's word marches on. Rulers who exalt themselves against God pass away; his word does not. It is a warning against pride, and a comfort that no tyrant's arrogance can halt God's purpose.

Do I take for myself the glory that belongs only to God, and do I trust that his word advances no matter how the proud rage?

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